Parmveer 'Sunny' Singh

An Outstanding Islander

Our Top Scholar

Six years ago Parmveer “Sunny” Singh came to the United States and had difficulty adjusting to a new environment. Now he is an Island Ambassador introducing prospective students and their families to Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, where he is a freshman biomedical sciences major and honors student.

Singh, who was salutatorian of his 2011 Moody High School Class, moved to Corpus Christi from Bathinda, Punjab, in India. Although he was advanced in math and science, there were challenges that he had to overcome.

“I struggled in middle school,” said Singh. “I had trouble making friends and learning a new culture.”

But Singh persevered. He seized opportunities through the Moody Health Science Academy learning medical terminology, and becoming a certified nursing assistant. Now he is working toward his dream of becoming a reconstructive plastic surgeon.

“Since high school, I knew I was going the medical route,” he said. “I witnessed many surgeries and I talked with doctors. That is how I discovered that I wanted to be a surgeon.”

Singh is now a University Presidential Top Scholar. As a recipient of the scholarship, Singh will earn $8,000 annually for four years.

“So far, the highlight of my academic career was being selected for the prestigious Presidential Top Scholar Award,” he said. “The scholarship has not only made life on our family easier, but has allowed me to concentrate on my long-term goals.”

Singh says the funds eliminated the stress of taking out school loans. The scholarship pays for books, and will allow him to focus on research and internships rather than working.

The first in Singh’s family to earn an education at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi was his father, who has worked on master’s and Ph.D. degrees. In 2010, Singh’s older sister received her biomedical science degree before leaving to dental school.
At the University, Singh, a member of the Honors Student Association, has received mentoring through the STEM Talent Expansion Program.

“Everyone here on campus is focused on academics,” he said. “There are no distractions. This place keeps me focused and driven toward a goal.”